Oyster Grow-Out System

North Island College, in partnership with Rising Tide Shellfish, will construct and field test a new oyster grow-out system which requires less labour than standard grow-out trays.

Project Dates: September 1, 2020 – April, 2024

Funding Amount: $25,000

Students Hired: 3

Workers stand at a table comparing oysters

Man on dock with NIC prototype for oyster growing

Oyster growing prototype

Project Summary

The British Columbia shellfish aquaculture industry is comprised of nearly 300 producers, most of which are small- and medium-sized enterprises located in small coastal communities. Pacific oysters are the most commercially important farmed shellfish in BC by weight and value. There is an immediate need for a new oyster grow-out system that is practical for farmers and improves oyster survival in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Rising Tide Shellfish (RTS) developed an innovative method for raising Pacific oysters that requires less labour than standard grow-out trays, and early testing showed much higher oyster survival.

In the first phase of the project, NSERC supported North Island College and RTS in the construction and field testing of a prototype grow out system. The initial prototype testing showed promising results with regards to lower mortality and improved oyster quality. However, several challenges were identified with the practical implementation of the first prototype.

To attempt to address these challenges a second phase of work, supported by NSERC, was undertaken in conjunction with RTS. The updated system was designed to hold a larger number of oysters and to be easier to load, unload and remove from the water. Testing of the updated system is currently underway.